A Safer Nuclear Enterprise

NOTE: Science is a subscription-only publication. The following is an excerpt:

The global nuclear enterprise, the activities and infrastructure that support both weapons and civil energy programs, is facing significant challenges. In the 26 years since Chernobyl, the nuclear power industry has strengthened its safety practices, yet Fukushima demonstrates the fragility of the civil nuclear enterprise. Despite an admirable record and firm commitment to make safety a primary criterion in weapons design, production, handling, and deployment, and to ensure that nuclear material is protected against theft, there is growing apprehension about terrorists acquiring weapons or nuclear material. We outline key principles and recommendations aimed at weak points in the world's nuclear enterprises.

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Understandingthe Nuclear Threat

Reducing the risk of nuclear use by terrorists and nation-states requires a broad set of complementary strategies targeted at reducing state reliance on nuclear weapons, stemming the demand for nuclear weapons and denying organizations or states access to the essential nuclear materials, technologies and know-how.